by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: July 30, 2009

Going green and recycling has become a world wide obsession. It is probably a worthy obsession, with benefits for all mankind. It makes sense that even with crafts, recycle is an excellent goal. With that in mind, what treasures can be made with scratched CDs? Is there at least one more use between the scratches and the garbage bin?

~Christmas tree decorations

A star ornament is a good way to used scratched CDs and old cards to make a beautiful decoration. Needed are:two scratched CDs, lace, drill, picture from used cards and beads.

1. Begin by take two CD's back to back to with shiny side facing out. Tape them together to prevent slippage during the drilling and weaving process.

2. Draw a star pattern with the points reaching 1/4 inch from the edge of the CD.

3. Drill holes just big enough for the lace to weave through, two times, all along the star pattern.

4. Beginning at the top of the star weave the lace through the drilled holes in and out all the way around the star. Go around a second time to complete the star. Tie the lace at the top and add beads.

5. Glue cut out from used card in the center of the star.


~Sun catchers
The premise of sun catchers are to reflect the rays of the sun and create rainbow effects from the reflections. These are quick and easy. Use a hole punch to put a hole in the top of two CDs. Get a small piece of foil to put between the two CD's to take care of the center hole. Match up the holes and glue the CD's together. (Almost every kind of glue eventually melts down by the heat of hanging in the object in the sunlight.) Typically, the best glue to use would be super glue. Clothes pin the CD's together, shiny side out and allow to dry over night. Hanging it with fishing line and a swivel allows for the most play.

~Clocks
The round shape is ideal for clocks. You will need the following:
*clock works
*paint markers
*large washers (the washers that come with the clock works kit are not usually big enough to use with a CD.)

Paint the CD with the paint markers in any design and allow to dry completely. Place the numbers in the proper position and assemble the clock. Clock kits can be purchased in bulk for as little as $3.00 a kit, making this a very affordable neighbor gift.

While busy thinking of other creative crafts with scratched CD's feel free to lay them on a table and use them for a coaster. They wash well in dishwasher on the top row and save the furniture.

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